Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Land and Water Conservation Fund supports science-based acquisition, development, and renovation of public outdoor recreation areas in North Carolina, guided by the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources
Due Dates: August 28, 2026 (Application Review Deadline) | November 2, 2026 (Application Deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $750,000 per grant; 50/50 matching required; awarded annually
Summary: Supports local governments and tribes in North Carolina with matching funds for acquisition, development, or renovation of outdoor recreation areas.
Description
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources through the Division of Parks and Recreation, provides competitive, reimbursable 50/50 matching grants to support the acquisition, development, and renovation of public outdoor recreation facilities. The program is designed to assist North Carolina counties, municipalities, and federally recognized Native American tribes in creating and enhancing parks, green spaces, and recreational amenities that are accessible to the public and meet local needs. LWCF grants have played a critical role in building a legacy of outdoor recreation across North Carolina, funding over 900 projects and helping protect more than 40,000 acres since 1965.
